CHIPPING Sodbury kicked off the new cricket season in perfect style, romping to an 80-run win away to Corse & Staunton in the WEPL’s Gloucestershire Division.

Skipper Jamie Rendell lost the toss and was asked to bat, but the decision worked in Sodbury’s favour as the visitors piled up a useful total of 242 all out.

Rendell, batting at three, went on to top score with 74 from 85 balls while opener Jake Reed batted with great patience for 52 from 92 to put Sodbury on their way.

Phil Lill’s quick-fire 38 and Tom Makepeace (23) then put Sodbury in charge before the visitors made their mark with the ball.

The wickets were shared around with paceman Mason Poole (3-30 from seven), Tom Clay (2-25), Nick Wake (2-27), Lill (2-30) and Rich Lane (1-49) all striking as Corse fell well short.

It was harder going for Sodbury 2nds who slipped by six wickets at home to Cam in Division Two of the Gloucestershire County League.

Opener Lee Walters (45) and Nic Anderson (42) made the major contributions to a below-par total of 197 after winning the toss ahead of Cam easing to a solid victory.

Sodbury 3rds, though, got their Bristol & District Division Seven season off on the right foot, thumping Bishopston by 139 runs.

It was a day to remember for teenage opener Charlie Ross who thumped an unbeaten 125, completing his maiden century for the club.

Nic Hambly weighed in with an unbeaten 41 in a terrific total of 234-3 before Bishopston were dismissed for 95.

Harry Phillips (4-29 from nine) and Alex Cummins (2-13) led the charge while there were also wickets for Chris Young, Dan Whittaker and Dave Harvey.